Gown with Integrated Mask to Prevent the Spread of Disease While Allowing Access to the Head and Hair

ABSTRACT

A protective garment with an integrated mask or face shield allowing for protection from bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens while allowing access to a wearer&#39;s head and hair for medical or grooming activities. The protective garment provides enhanced protection from the transmission of disease while engaging in these activities. The protective garment may include masks for face shields that are replaceable or interchangeable, and also includes a type of face shield or mask that does not require any headband, ties, or other obstructions around the back of the wearer&#39;s head.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/084,430, filed Sep. 28, 2020, entitled “Gown with Integrated Mask to Prevent the Spread of Disease During Personal Care While Allowing Access to the Head and Hair;” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field protective garments. More specifically, the invention is in the subfield of garments and equipment for the prevention of the spread of disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Airborne diseases, such as COVID-19, present a danger of transmission in public settings where people may not be able to socially distance from one another. To discourage the spread of disease, it is often necessary for people to wear masks or face shields in public places where they will come into close contact with others including salons, barbershops, nursing homes, hospitals, and the like. However, while masks and face shields may help prevent the spread of contagious diseases, they may not be practicable in particularly close confines or when other garments or equipment are worn, such as when a wearer receives personal services such as a haircut, styling, hair wash, or medical services. When people are in close contact with one another, personal protective equipment such as a mask or face shield may help prevent the transfer of infectious disease, but may also prevent a wearer from receiving a service such as a haircut or other grooming procedures. For example, in a setting such as a salon or nursing home, personal protective equipment may not allow a worker or other professional full access to the head and hair of the wearer during a haircut, styling, or dyeing procedure. Nursing homes or care facilities may also require personal protective equipment for service professionals, patients, or both for certain types of care treatments. There is therefore a need in the art for personal protective equipment that may be worn during grooming or medical procedures that does not interfere with those procedures, particularly when access to the head and hair is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a cape or gown with an integrated mask or face shield that may be worn during certain services or medical procedures that require access to the hair, head, or neck areas of a patient or client. This integrated piece of personal protective equipment may be of particular use when a wearer is in close contact with a worker or other service professional. For example, the cape or gown with an integrated mask or face shield may be worn during a hair styling procedure, such as cutting, washing, or dyeing of the hair, while providing enhanced protection to the wearer and any nearby service professionals. The integrated personal protective equipment may also be beneficial in certain medical settings, such as neurosurgery, where a number of medical professionals may be in close proximity to a patient but access to the patient's head is required for the procedure.

An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention also provides for a cape or gown with an integrated mask or face shield that may be removed and replaced. The replaceable mask or face shield may allow for cleaning or disposal of a used mask or face shield while the remainder of the garment remains available for use, either for a subsequent procedure or a subsequent user. In certain embodiments, the face mask may include extensions that allow it to brace against a chair, requiring no additional support or attachment points about the head of the wearer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the instant specification, illustrate several aspects and embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description herein, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are provided only for the purpose of illustrating select embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cape with an integrated mask.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cape with an integrated mask partially donned by a wearer.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cape with an integrated mask fully donned by a wearer.

FIG. 4 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cape with an integrated face shield.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cape with an integrated face shield donned by a wearer.

FIGS. 6 and 7 provide side view illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a cape with an integrated face shield and the interface with a wearer's head.

FIGS. 8-11 provide schematic illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a gown with an integrated mask.

FIGS. 12A-12D provide schematic illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a cape with a removeable integrated mask.

FIGS. 13A-13D provide schematic illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a cape with a removeable integrated face shield.

FIGS. 14A and 14B provide schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a cape with a removeable integrated face shield.

FIGS. 15A-15D provide schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a cape with an integrated face shield with extensions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 provide depictions of a protective garment 1 which may comprise a cape 10 with an integrated mask 14 with ear loops 16. The cape 10, which may be a fabric article adapted to drape or otherwise hang loosely about the body of the wearer without sleeves, may include a neck flange 12 at or about the collar 13 of the cape 10, which fits around or about the neck of the wearer. The neck flange 12 provides a point of connection between the cape 10 and the mask 14 that may be worn on or about the face of the wearer. The mask 14 may also include one or more ear loops 16 to attach or affix the mask 14 to the wearer's face. It should be appreciated that the mask 14 may include any type of attachment mechanism that allows it to be worn on the face including, but not limited to, ear loops 16, tie straps, bands, snaps or any combination thereof.

A user may wear the protective garment 1 with integrated face mask 14 during a haircut, styling procedure, dyeing procedure, or other medical or grooming procedures that require a worker or other service professional to have access to the head and hair of the wearer. The service professional may also wear a protective garment 1 with integrated face mask 14 while providing care services in addition to, or in place of, the person receiving the care services. The protective garment 1 may be applied to the wearer as normal, and the integrated face mask 14 raised to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer.

FIGS. 4-7 provide depictions of a protective garment 1, which may comprise a cape 10 with an integrated face shield 22 and a headband 26 for holding the face shield 22 against the head of the wearer. The face shield 22, which may be glass, polymer, or any other suitable material that is transparent and may prevent the transmission of disease, may be sewn into, adhered to, or otherwise attached to the cape 10 at an opening 20. In certain embodiments, the opening 20 may include or be in communication with the cape 10 and collar 13 through the neck flange 12 at on the lower end of the face shield 22 and through the side panels 28 at the sides of the face shield 22. The face shield 22 may also comprise a crown 24 at or about the upper portion of the face shield 22 to provide a surface for interfacing between the face shield 22 and the wearer's head or forehead.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the protective garment 1 may also include a rear panel 30 attached or otherwise affixed to the headband 26 that may provide protection about the back of the wearer's head and neck and interact with the side panels 28 to provide enhanced protection from airborne viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. It should be appreciated that the head band 26 and crown 24 may be placed, positioned, angled, or otherwise located to avoid the head and hair of the wearer such that a groomer, medical professional, or other person providing care may have access to the head and hair of the wearer without interference from the protective garment 1. For example, the crown 24 and head band 26 may be positioned such that they are below the hairline of the wearer to allow for unrestricted access to the wearer's hair while still protecting the user from the spread of pathogens.

A user may don the protective garment 1 by placing the headband 26 and crown 24 at or about their brow or forehead and drape the side panels 28, rear panel 30, and cape 10 around and about their body. With the protective garment 1 in place, the face shield 22 may be seated at the crown 24 at or about the forehead of the wearer, while the side panels 28 and rear panel 30 provide protection from viruses, bacteria, or other disease vectors or pathogens from entering the facial area of the wearer from the sides or back of the face shield 22. The cape 10 may also provide protection to the wearer from hair clippings, debris, fluids, or other materials, and may provide enhanced protection from viruses, bacteria, or other disease vectors or pathogens. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the protective garment 1 may only omit one or more of the side panels 28 or rear panel 30. In such an embodiment, the upper portion of the face shield 22 may be held in place by the crown 24 and head band 26 and it may be affixed or otherwise attached to the cape 10 via the neck flange 12 and collar 13 at its lower edge.

FIGS. 8-11 provide depictions of a protective garment 1 which may comprise a gown 11 with an integrated face mask 14. The gown 11 may have a lower portion that is relatively form-fitting, free-fitting, or any combination thereof with one or more three-quarter sleeves 32. It should be appreciated that the sleeves may be any type or length, including, but not limited to, quarter-length, half-length, or full-length sleeves of varying tightness or contours. The gown 11 may also comprise a collar 13 which is affixed or otherwise attached to the mask 14 through a neck flange 12. The protective garment 1 may also include ties, straps, or other mechanisms for closing or otherwise securing the body of the gown 11 around the wearer to provide a comfortable covering that may be worn in a hospital, nursing home, or other medical settings. It should be appreciated that the gown 11 may also be adapted for use with a face shield 22 as also described in FIGS. 4-7.

The gown 11 may include a neck flange 12 extending up from the collar 13 of the gown 11 and connecting, attaching, or otherwise affixing the mask 14 to the gown 11. The mask 14 may then include one or more tie straps 34 to secure the mask 14 around or about the face of the wearer. In certain embodiments, the mask 14 may include ear loops, bands, snaps or other mechanisms for holding and positioning the mask 14 over the face of the wearer. It should be appreciated that the mask 14, face shield 22, cape 10, and gown 11 as described in FIGS. 1-8 may be combined or arranged in any combination to create different protective garments 1 adapted for use in different scenarios or situations. For example, the face mask 22 may be combined with the gown 11 to create a protective garment 1.

FIGS. 12A-12C and 13A-13C provide depictions of a protective garment 1 with a removeable or interchangeable mask 14 or face shield 22 system for attaching or detaching a mask 14 or face shield 22 from a gown or cape 10. The gown or cape 10 may include a neck flange 12 extending up from the collar region of the gown or cape 10 with one or more attachment mechanisms 40 adapted to mate with or otherwise engage a mask 14 or face shield 22 that may be removed or changed relative to the gown or cape 10 at the neck flange 12. The mask 14, which may include one or more ear loops 16 or tie straps, may include a corresponding attachment mechanism 40 to one located on the neck flange 12 of the gown or cape 10. For example, the mask 14 and neck flange 12 may include complementary hook and loop fasteners 42, zippers 46 with the zipper slider 47 positioned on either the mask 14 or neck flange 12, or one or more snapping fasteners 44 or buttons such that the mask 14 may be removably attached to the neck flange 12 of the gown or cape 10. Similarly, a face shield 22, which may include a head band 26, and the neck flange 12 may include complementary hook and loop fasteners 42, zippers 46 with a zipper slider 47 positioned on either the face shield 22 or neck flange 12, or one or more snapping fasteners 44 or buttons to removably attach the face shield 22 to the neck flange 12 of the gown or cape 10. Referring specifically to FIGS. 12C and 13C, in embodiments with a zipper 46 attachment mechanism, the zipper slider 47 may be configured such that the zipper slider 47 stays attached to the neck flange 12 of the gown or cape 10 so that it is always present for the attachment of subsequent masks 14 or face shields 22.

FIGS. 12D and 13D provide depictions of a protective garment 1 with an attachment system 40 for attaching a mask 14 or face shield 22 to a gown or cape 10. The gown or cape 10, which may include a neck flange 12, may have one or more clips 48 or other grasping devices located at or about the neck flange 12. The clips 48 or grasping devices may be adapted for use with complementary devices on the mask 14, which may include one or more ear loops 16, or face shield 22, which may include a head band 26. However, it should be appreciated that the clips 48 or grasping devices may be adapted for use with a generic mask 14 or face shield 22 as they may removably attach or affix to the mask 14 or face shield 22 through a gripping action to connect the mask 14 or face shield 22 with the neck flange 12 of the gown or cape 10.

FIGS. 14A and 14B provide depictions of a protective garment 1 with a removeable and replaceable face shield 22. The protective garment 1 may comprise a gown or cape 10 with a collar 13 and a neck flange 12. A face shield frame 50 may be in communication with the neck flange 12 at or about its lower edge and a head band 26 at or about its upper edge. In certain embodiments, the protective garment 1 may also include side panels 28 affixed or otherwise attached to the side portions of the face shield frame 50 and may also optionally include a rear panel (not shown) attached or otherwise affixed to the head band 26. The face shield frame 50 may also include a frame slot 52 in the upper edge of the face shield frame 50 that is adapted, shaped, or otherwise configured to accept the face shield 22. The face shield 22, which may be plastic, plexiglass, glass, or any other transparent material that may block the transmission of viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens, may then be inserted into the face shield frame 50 through the frame slot 52 where the face shield frame 50 may engage the edges of the face shield 22. The face shield 22 may then also be removed from the face shield frame 50 by passing the face shield 22 through the frame slot 52. The face shield 22 may then be discarded, cleaned, or replaced for the next user. In certain embodiments, the frame slot 52 may be located on the sides or bottom of the face shield frame 50. It should be appreciated that the face shield frame 50 may be made of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic, or it may be made from fabric or other flexible materials to allow for easier folding of the protective garment 1 when a face shield 22 is not in use. The frame slot 52 of the face shield frame 50 may include one or more mechanisms to secure the face shield 22 within the face shield frame 50. For example, the frame slot 52 of the face shield frame 50 may be secured in a closed position with snapping fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, clips, clamps, tie closures, or any other suitable mechanism for retaining the face shield 22 within the face shield frame 50.

FIGS. 15A-15D provide depictions of a protective garment 1 with an integrated face shield 22 that does not require a headband or other mechanism for attachment to the head and face of the wearer. The protective garment 1, which may comprise a gown or cape 10 with a collar 13 and a neck flange 12, may also include a face shield 22 with one or more extensions 54 that extend rearward and down relative to the wearer to conform generally to the wearer's shoulders. When the wearer sits in a chair, as may be common in a salon, barbershop or for other personal services such as haircuts, hair washes, or hair dyeing procedures, the extensions 54 of the face shield 22 may be pinned or otherwise sequestered between the shoulders of the wearer and the chair back, holding the face shield 22 in position without the need for additional straps, loops, ties, or other attachment mechanisms. In certain embodiments, the protective garment 1 may also include side panels 28 attached or otherwise affixed to the face shield 22 to provide an extra degree of protection to the wearer. It should be appreciated that the face shield 22 with extensions 54 may be removable from the side panels 28, neck flange 12, or both. Furthermore, the face shield 22 may be replaced with a rigid or semi-rigid frame which would allow a user to don a mask, which may be disposable or reusable, without the need for ear loops or tie straps.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15, a number of variations or modifications may be made to the protective garment 1 with integrated mask 14 or face shield 22 to adapt it to a variety of conditions or use cases. For example, the cape or gown 10, 11 with integrated mask 14 or face shield 22, or any of its constituent components, may be manufactured from any suitable material as desired or required for a particular application or environment for use. The cape 10, gown 11 and sleeves 32, neck flange 12, collar 13, mask 14, ear loops 16, tie straps 34, face shield 22, crown 24, head band 26, side panels 28, rear panel 30, face shield frame 50, or extensions 54 may be manufactured from paper, woven or non-woven fibers, propylene or other polymers, linen, silk, cotton, denim, woven or non-woven cellulose, hemp, or any other natural or synthetic material or any combination thereof. In particular, the material for the mask 14 may be selected to provide adequate filtering, airflow, flexibility, cost, quality, or level of durability. The face shield 22 may be made from any suitable transparent material including glass, plastic, polymers, or the like. The mask 14, face shield 22, cape 10, gown 11, neck flange 12, or any other associated parts may be disposable or reusable. In certain embodiments, portions of the integrated mask 14 or face shield 22 and cape 10 or gown 11 may be disposable while other portions are reusable.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-15, the protective garment 1 with an integrated mask 14 or face shield 22 may be provided as a kit or as separate pieces. For example, a kit may include a single cape 10 or gown 11 with a plurality of masks 14 or face shields 22 that may be attached to the cape 10 or gown 11. During use the cape 10 or gown 11 may be reused many times between launderings or cleanings while the masks 14 and face shields 22, which provide the primary defense against transmission of airborne disease, may be changed out more frequently. In certain embodiments, the mask 14 or face shield 22 may be disposable while the cape 10 or gown 11 is reused. In still further embodiments, the mask 14 or face shield 22 may be reusable while the cape 10 or gown 11 is disposable, or both the mask 14 or face shield 22 and the cape 10 or gown 11 may be disposable.

Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited detailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of this application. For example, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, any activity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. Unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence or such activities, any particular size, speed, material, dimension or frequency, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Accordingly, the descriptions and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all sub ranges therein. Any information in any material (e.g., a United States/foreign patent, United States/foreign patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such incorporated by reference material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 

We claim:
 1. A protective garment comprising: a cape having a collar; a neck flange in communication with said collar of said cape; and a facial covering in communication with said neck flange; wherein said neck flange is disposed between said collar of said cape and said facial covering.
 2. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein said facial covering comprises a mask; and further comprising an attachment mechanism in communication with said mask, wherein said attachment mechanism is configured to engage a wearer.
 3. The protective garment of claim 2, wherein said attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of at least one ear loop or at least one tie strap.
 4. The protective garment of claim 2, wherein said mask is removably affixed to said neck flange.
 5. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein said facial covering comprises a face shield and a headband; wherein said headband is in communication with said face shield and configured to engage a wearer.
 6. The protective garment of claim 5, wherein said face shield is removably affixed to said neck flange.
 7. The protective garment of claim 5, further comprising: a first side of said face shield and a second side of said face shield, wherein said first side of said face shield is disposed opposite said second side of said face shield; a first side panel in communication with a first side of said face shield and a second side panel in communication with said second side of said face shield; a crown in communication with said face shield; and a rear panel in communication with said headband; wherein said first side panel, said second side panel, and said neck flange define an opening in said protective garment and said face shield is disposed within said opening.
 8. The protective garment of claim 5, further comprising: a frame comprising a first side, a second side, and a frame slot; and a first side panel and a second side panel; wherein said first side panel engages said first side of said frame, said second side panel engages said second side of said frame, said frame is in communication with said neck flange, and said face shield may removably engage said frame through said frame slot.
 9. A protective garment comprising: a gown comprising a collar and at least one sleeve; a neck flange in communication with said collar of said gown; and a facial covering in communication with said neck flange; wherein said neck flange is disposed between said collar of said gown and said facial covering.
 10. The protective garment of claim 9, wherein said facial covering comprises a mask; and further comprising an attachment mechanism in communication with said mask, wherein said attachment mechanism is configured to engage a wearer.
 11. The protective garment of claim 10, wherein said attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of at least one ear loop or at least one tie strap.
 12. The protective garment of claim 10, wherein said mask is removably affixed to said neck flange.
 13. The protective garment of claim 9, wherein said facial covering comprises a face shield and a headband; wherein said headband is in communication with said face shield and configured to engage a wearer.
 14. The protective garment of claim 13, wherein said face shield is removably affixed to said neck flange.
 15. The protective garment of claim 13, further comprising: a first side of said face shield and a second side of said face shield, wherein said first side of said face shield is disposed opposite said second side of said face shield; a first side panel in communication with a first side of said face shield and a second side panel in communication with said second side of said face shield; a crown in communication with said face shield; and a rear panel in communication with said headband; wherein said first side panel, said second side panel, and said neck flange define an opening in said protective garment and said face shield is disposed within said opening.
 16. The protective garment of claim 13, further comprising: a frame comprising a first side, a second side, and a frame slot; and a first side panel and a second side panel; wherein said first side panel engages said first side of said frame, said second side panel engages said second side of said frame, said frame is in communication with said neck flange, and said face shield may removably engage said frame through said frame slot.
 17. A protective garment comprising: a body comprising a collar; a first side panel and a second side panel; and a face shield comprising a first extension and a second extension; wherein said first side panel and said second side engage a first side of said face shield and a second side of said face shield, wherein said first side of said face shield is opposed to said second side of said face shield; and wherein said first extension of said face shield and said second extension of said face shield are configured to extend over and down a wearer's shoulder and between a chair and the wearer's shoulder.
 18. The protective garment of claim 17, wherein said body comprises a cape.
 19. The protective garment of claim 17, wherein said body comprises a gown, and wherein said gown comprises at least one sleeve.
 20. The protective garment of claim 17, wherein said face shield is in removable communication with said protective garment. 